Parent-Approved Activities, Unplugged

You’ve scored the job, but your charge is an over-programmed
kid with overbearing parents. T.V. shows and computer games? Forget about it!
You’ve got to whip out your best babysitting activities to keep the tot happy
and the parents pleased with your work. Stuck in a rut? GL is here to help!

Bring Out the Board Games

With so many kids attached to Game Boys, Xboxes, and the
Internet, board games might just be a novelty to your charge. Call on the
classics—or maybe their junior versions, depending on the age of the child
you’re babysitting. Candyland, Chutes and Ladders, Trouble, and Sorry are great
for the younger crowd. Monopoly, Life, Battleship, and Guess Who? work well
with the older set.

Tap Into Their Creativity

An art project will give the child the freedom she doesn’t
often see in her day-to-day schedule. Provide some options and then let the
child choose what she wants to do. Then, offer guidance but let her express her
creativity however she pleases.

Need some ideas? Make a fall leaf collage, play with finger
paints, build a house out of popsicle sticks, or paint scary Halloween masks on
paper plates. The options are endless!

Take It Outside

What parent is going to object to some fresh air? Jumping
rope, hopscotch, and sidewalk chalking are easy driveway activities.

If you want to bring the action to the backyard, consider
setting up an old-fashioned game of croquet or badminton, playing catch, or
planning a treasure hunt.

Play Pretend

A child’s greatest resource is her
imagination. Help her cultivate her originality by encouraging rousing games
that force you both to create new identities, new worlds, and new storylines.
Take advantage of the fab fall weather and bring the fun back to nature.